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Multidisciplinary Health Care

Management of Patients with

Lymphedema and Other Cancer

Related Side-Effects

Amanda Grant, PT, DPT, FAAOMPT, MTC, CLT

Objectives

Identify the patient population at risk

for developing lymphedema

Describe the early signs and

symptoms of lymphedema

Identify musculoskeletal impairments

often associated with lymphedema

Identify prevention strategies for

patients at risk for developing

lymphedema

Cancer Incidence Rate

According to the American Cancer Society

>1 million people are diagnosed each year

Approximately 1,660,290 new cancer cases expected to be diagnosed in 2013

Lifetime risk: Male 1 : 2

Female 1 : 3

Cancer Rate Incidence

According to the Journal of the

National Cancer Institute1

Decline in incidence rate in men

Stabilized incidence rate in women

Chronic Cancer

Refers to anyone who is in a long term

treatment of recurrent cancer or

cancer metastases

Stable disease

Progression

Complete response or complete

remission

Partial response or partial remission

Survivorship

Improve quality of life of cancer

survivors as they transition from

treatment to recovery2

The National Cancer Survivorship

Resource Center

Collaboration between the American

Cancer Society and the George

Washington Cancer Institute

Survivorship

Lymphedema Incidence Rate

Approximately 30% breast cancer

patients will develop lymphedema3,4

Greatest rate occurs with axillary node

dissection and radiation

Lymphedema can develop

immediately following surgery or

anytime thereafter

Lymphedema

Definition

“…a subcutaneous accumulation of protein-rich fluid resulting from an insufficient or blocked drainage system…”5

Occurs most often in the arm(s) and/or leg(s), and occasionally in other parts of the body such as the trunk and genitalia.

Anatomy Review

Lymphatic System is a specialized

component of the circulatory system.

Retrieves lymph fluid filtered out of the

circulatory system by capillaries and

returns it to the venous system for

circulation6

Components of Lymphatic System

Thymus Gland Spleen Tonsils Peyer’s patches Lymph Nodes

Axillary Inguinal Abdominal Cervical

Lymph Vessels

Function of the Lymphatic

System

Assists venous system in the removal of lymph fluid and protein from the interstitial space

Contributes to the immune system by producing white blood cells

Function of the Lymphatic

System

Lymphedema

results when the

amount of

lymphatic fluid

exceeds the

lymphatic

transport

capacity 7

The lymphatic

system originates

as lymph

capillaries in the

spaces between

cells

Lymphatic Capillaries

Originate as

“blind ends” in

tissue space

The lymphatic

capillaries join to

form larger

lymphatic

vessels.

Lymph Vessel Hierarchy

Lymphatic Capillaries

Pre-collectors (like lymphatic capillaries but contain smooth muscle cells and valves)

Collectors (superficial and deep) (have three-layer wall like veins) (unlike veins they have thinner walls and valves closer together –from one to another)

Lymph Trunks and Ducts (largest lymph vessels)(similar to collectors but have thicker walls)

Lymphatic Vessel Hierarchy

Thoracic Duct Largest lymphatic

vessel in the body

Made up from the R and L lumbar trunks

Empties into the L subclavian vein

1-5mm in diameter and 40cm long

Transports 75% of the daily lymphatic load Approximately 2-4L

daily

Lymphatic Vessel Hierarchy

Right Lymphatic Duct

2.5cm in length

Located in the area

of the R venous angle (where R

internal jugular and R

subclavian vein

meet)

Transports 25% of the

total lymphatic load

Thoracic Duct drains

the L and R lower

quadrants, L upper

quadrant, L head

and neck (75%)

Right Lymphatic

Duct drains the R

upper quadrant, R

head and neck

(25%)

How Does Lymph Fluid Get From

Capillary to Duct?

What is the central pump for the arterial and venous circulation?

The lymphatic system has its own internal pump (intrinsic contractility) Referred to as “lymphangioactivity” or

“lymphangiomotoricity”

The funtional unit is referred to as lymphangion section between valves

Normal speed: approx 6 BPM

Speed when stimulated: approx 20 BPM

How Does Lymph Fluid Get From

Capillary to Duct?

In addition to the intrinsic contractility lymph

flow is aided by:

Skeletal muscle contraction (muscle and

joint pump)

Arterial pulsation

Respiratory pressure changes

Negative pressure in central veins

External pressure (manual lymphatic

drainage, compression garments)

Production of new lymph (creates back

pressure)

Lymph Fluid Flow…

Respiration Effect on Lymphatic

Flow

Inspiration

↓

Descent of the diaphragm

↓

Increased intra-abdominal pressure

Decreased intra-thoracic pressure

↓

Thoracic duct lymph “pumped” into the venous system during inspiration

Lymph Fluid

Interstitial fluid which is absorbed from

the extracellular space

Lymph fluid carries:

Proteins

Water

Cells (RBC, WBC, lymphocytes)

Waste products and other foreign

substances

Fat

Lymph Nodes Found throughout the

lymphatic system

Vary in size (2-30mm)

Many shapes (long, oval, round, bean, kidney shaped)

600-700 lymph nodes in the human body

Majority found in abdomen, followed by head, neck, and less throughout the rest of the body

Generally located in adipose tissue

More afferent vessels than efferent vessels

Lymph Nodes

The lymphatic

vessels are joined

together by lymph

nodes which act as

filters and empty

into the right

lymphatic duct or

the thoracic duct

Functions of Lymph Nodes

Regulate fluid imbalance when

excess water in interstitium

Filtering station for noxious matter

such as bacteria, toxins, and dead

cells

Production of white blood cells

(lymphocytes)

Functions of Lymph Nodes cont.

Regulates the concentration of

protein in the lymph

½ protein in systemic circulation found in

lymphatic system

Proteins recycled by the lymphatic

system

If higher concentration of protein in the

lymphatic system then increased water is

absorbed, and vice versa

How Frequently Does Lymphedema

Occur?

Affects 1% of the US population – over

2.5 million people – usually from

breast cancer treatment4

Post-mastectomy: 25.5 %

Post-mastectomy with axillary lymph

node dissection and radiation

therapy: 38.3 %

Further increased with obesity and/or

infection

Lymphedema

Primary Lymphedema

Due to an unknown cause, but usually

associated with a vascular anomaly

Can be present at birth, develop in puberty,

or in adulthood

Secondary Lymphedema (Acquired)

Due to a known cause

Primary Lymphedema

Person is born with insufficient

lymphatic system

Unknown cause

Primary Lymphedema

Hypoplasia-less than normal expected number

of lymph collectors

Hyperplasia-vessels are excessively dilated

Aplasia-significant absence of lymph collectors

Inguinal Node Fibrosis- fibrosis and degeneration

of the inguinal and iliac lymph nodes

Primary Lymphedema

Present at birth = Lymphedema congenita

Develop in childhood = Lymphedema

Praecox

Under the age of 35

Develop in Adulthood = Lymphedema Tarda

Over the age of 35

Primary Lymphedema

Of the primary lymphedema

population

87% are females

13% are males

Most common age of manifestation: 17

83% developing before the age of 35

Secondary Lymphedema

Usually results from a trauma to the lymphatic system

Surgery Breast,

gynecological, head/neck, prostate, testicular, bladder, colon

Radiation therapy

Traumatic injury

Seroma Aspiration Lymphangitis Tumor

Cancer

Infection

C.V.I.

Iatrogenic

Obesity

Self Induced

Filariasis (200 million people worldwide)

Filariasis

Remember….

If lymph nodes are removed there is

ALWAYS a risk of lymphedema

38

Secondary Lymphedema

There is a KNOWN cause

Differential Diagnosis

Most important … Physical Exam and

History

Onset?

Location?

Pain?

Skin Changes?

Other Conditions?

Can the swelling be changed?

Diagnostic Tests?

Early Signs of Lymphedema

Tingling / Numbness

Feelings of fullness or heaviness

Clothing fitting tight

Decreased active range of motion

Visible swelling (that may come and

go)

Especially distal swelling

Lymphedema Incidence Rate

Increases with:

Amount of lymph nodes removed

Amount of trauma to the area

Radiation treatment6

Age of patient

Pre-existing sedentary lifestyle

Obesity8

Alternative Causes of Swelling

DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis)

Cancer return /Malignant Lymphedema

Lipedema

Venous Edema

Cardiac Edema

Congestive Heart Failure

Myxedema

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome


Lipedema

Mainly in women

B symmetrical

swelling from iliac

crests to ankles

Painful to

palpation

Bruise easily


Venous

Edema Non-pitting

Hemosiderin

staining

Fibrosis of

subcutaneous

tissues


Acute Deep Venous Thrombophlebitis

Sudden onset

Usually unilateral

Painful

Cyanosis- depending on severity

+ Homan’s sign


Cardiac Edema

Greatest distally

Always B

Pitting

Complete resolution with elevation

No pain

R heart insufficiency


Congestive Heart Failure

Pitting edema

Orthopnea

Dyspnea on exertion

Jugular venous distention

B heart failure


Malignant

Lymphedema

Pain, paresthesia,

paralysis

Central location

Rapid

development

Non-healing

open wounds


Myxedema

Deposition of

mucopolysaccha

-rides substance

in the skin (thyroid

dysfunction)

Dry skin, brittle

nails, thinning

hair, orange

colored skin


Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Warmth, burning, edema, sensory

changes

Coolness, cyanosis, dry brittle nails

How Does Lymphedema

Occur?

Decreased lymph flow from lymphatic

damage results in increased protein

concentration in the interstitial fluid

With increased protein concentration,

fluid is shifted into the interstitial space

due to oncotic pressure

With fluid accumulation in the

interstitial space, swelling/edema

occurs in that body part

How Does Lymphedema

Occur?

Lymphatic damage and fluid stasis

leads to scar tissue/fibrosis

development with collagen and fibrin

deposition to vessel walls, therefore

further blocking lymph flow

Fluid stasis increases susceptibility to

infection with cycle initiated for

further lymphatic damage

Lymphedema

Stages of Lymphedema9

Stage 0: Pre-lymphedema/Sub-Clinical

Stage 1: Spontaneously reversible

Stage 2: Spontaneously irreversible

Stage 3: Lymphostatic elephantiasis

Lymphedema – Stage 0

Impaired lymphatic system

Amount of fluid the body can

transport is reduced

No visible/palpable edema

Subjective complains possible


Spontaneously Reversible

Accumulation in protein rich fluid

Limb size changes with position/ elevation

Pitting edema

<20% change in volume between limbs


Spontaneously

Irreversible

Non-pitting edema

Fibrotic tissue

beginning

Elevation/position

does not change

limb size

20-40% difference in

limb volume


LymphostaticElephantiasis

Fibrotic changes in tissues

Elephantine changes

>40% increase in limb volume compared to the non-involved side

Types of Lymphedema Treatment

Lymphedema is a disease. All other

edemas are symptoms.

Cure of lymphedema is not possible.

Types of Treatment Available

Medications: Antibiotics – decrease infection risk

Diuretics - decrease interstitial fluid

Proteases – break down interstitial proteins

Surgical: Not curative Excisional: Charles / Homans procedure

Debulking of the area to remove excess tissue to decrease volume

Physiological: Drainage of the area via lymph to lymph or

lymph to venous anastomosis

Types of Treatment

Complete Decongestive Therapy

Manual Lymphatic Drainage

Muilti-layered compressive bandaging

Effects of Lymphedema

Treatment

Manual Lymphatic Treatment-

Phase One - CDT

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)

Antiseptic Moisturizing Cream

Low-stretch compression bandages

Active Exercise

Patient Education (see Phase 2)


Treatment Goals

Improve cosmesis

Preserve skin integrity

Soften subcutaneous tissues

Avoid infection or lymphangitis

Decrease limb size

Avoid contracture of the involved

limb


Gentle manual treatment which

improves the activity of the lymph

vascular system.

Re-routes lymph flow around blocked

areas into more centrally located

healthy lymph vessels.

Compression Bandages

Minimally elastic bandages

applied to increase pressure

in extremity.

Reduces re-infiltration

Improves muscle pump

Helps to break up

deposits of accumulated

scar and connective

tissue.

Stays in place until next

MLD session.

Exercises

Goal: enhance muscle pump activity

and promote improved venous and

lymphatic return in the involved

extremity

Employed throughout the span of the

CDT treatment program including

initial Phase I and Phase II.

Types of Exercise10

Flexibility/Stretching

minimizing tightness and the effects of

scarring which can block lymph flow

Resistive

improve muscle power, stamina and tone

Greatest risk of tears/injury

Increases local blood flow and the production of waste products increasing load on the lymphatic system

Use in Conjunction with compression

Aerobic Conditioning

60% - 75% of the maximum heart rate (target heart rate)

Increased deep respiration (deep breathing) enhances venous and lymphatic return

Source: National Lymphedema Network

Negative Aspects of Exercise

Blood flow is increased, possibly

causing an increase in lymphatic load

Increased muscle metabolism results in

increased metabolic waste

Improper exercise may cause

inflammation and trauma

Manual Lymphatic Treatment

Phase II-CDT

Compression Stockings/Sleeves

Home Exercise

Skin Care

Patient Education

What types of compression are

available in Phase II ? Compression stocking

can be used for treatment and maintenance

2 pairs are appropriate to maximize hygiene

last from 4 to 6 months

can be difficult to don or doff and keep in position

Compressive wrapping

better flexibility for specific problem areas and for

specific patients

patients and families can learn technique

allow greater activity level than pumps

can be time consuming to don

Available Compression

in Phase II cont.

Compression pumps

not adequate for primary therapy

do not address proximal edema

high cost with decreased compliance

less convenient for associated exercise or mobility

variable protocols dependent on brand and type

but ranges:

single chamber/uniform/intermittent compression:

30-60 mm Hg

multi-chamber/differential/sequential compression:

60-120 mm Hg

Compression Pumps

Additional Musculoskeletal

Impairments

Postural limitations

Pain

Scar tissue

General deconditioning

Stiffness

Weakness

Numbness

Decreased ADL ability

Precautions with Treatment

Slow exercise progression

Caution of application of ice and

heat

Slow increase in depth of manual

treatment

Caution of application/placement of

therapeutic devices

Lymphedema Prevention

Protect the body part from the elements

Protect the body part from injury

Protect the body part from changes in pressure

Wear compression sleeve/garment when exercising

Patient Education Wear protective garments for appropriate activities:

gardening or pruning

dishwashing

baking/cooking

sewing

Immediate contact with physician if presence of

infection

Carry heavy parcels or purses on the opposite limb

Sunscreen or long-sleeved garments for sun

exposure

Sleep with limb elevated

Patient Education

Jewelry should not be worn on affected limb

Insect repellent for high risk exposure

Utilize electric razor for shaving

Check water temperature with other limb or thermometer before immersion

Avoid heavy lifting or repetitive movements with involved limb

Avoid tight-fitting garments to affected limb

Avoid climate temperature extremes

Quick Check for Risk of

Secondary LymphedemaHas the individual had cancer?

Yes

Lymph nodes removed?

No

Radiation or Chemotherapy?

Yes

Increased risk for developing lymphedema

No

Low risk

Yes


No

Visited third world

country?

Yes


No

Low risk

Major surgery / trauma effecting lymphatic/vascu

lar system ?

No

Low risk

Yes


Screening and Pre-diagnosis for

Cancer/Cancer Return

Red flags and other warning signs11-15

Change in BB habits

A sore that doesn’t heal

Unusual bleeding/discharge

Thickening lump

Indigestion or difficulty swallowing

Obvious changes in wart or mole



Red flags and other warning signs

cont.

Nagging cough or hoarseness

Unexplained/unintentional weight loss

Fever

Chills

Night sweats

Age >50

Hx of cancer



Listen to the patient…

Cancer Metastases

Predictable sites of cancer

metastases

Bone

Liver

Lung

Brain

Residual Short and Long Term

Impairments16-20

Scars and other skin changes

Persistent fatigue

Reproductive system changes

Damage to muscles/musculoskeletal

fibrosis

Osteoporosis

Hot flashes

Altered movement pattern

Side Effects if Patient

Undergoing Chemotherapy

Cognitive impairments (chemo brain)

Myelosuppression

GI distress

Peripheral and central nervous system

effects

Decreased salivation

Alopecia

Nail damage

Organ toxicities

85

Late Effects of Cancer

Treatment

Cardiotoxicity

Pulmonary fibrosis

“Chemopause”

Musculoskeletal Fibrosis

Risk of secondary cancer

Long lasting immune response impairment

Permanent alterations in GI function

Cognitive changes

86

87

Persistent changes due to treatment. Schmitz KH, Courneya KS, Matthews C, et al. American College of Sports Medicine roundtableon exercise guidelines for cancer survivors. Medicine and Science In sports and exercise. Jul 2010;42(7):1409-1426

Side effects from Targeted

Therapies

Increased risk of PE and CVA

Increased risk of Osteoporosis

Loss of muscle mass, weakness

Arthralgias and myalgias

Bone pain

Vasodilation

Impaired healing

88

General Therapy

Considerations

Therapy during chemo? Radiation?

Low level laser therapy?

Electrical Stimulation/TENS?

Grastin/ASTYM?

US?

Ice/Heat?

Ex guidelines?

Workoutcancer.org

89

Patient Cases

90

Patient A

91

Patient A

92

Patient B

93

Patient B

94

Patient B

95

Patient C

Patient D

Patient E

Patient F

Questions??????????

Resources

1. Jemal A, et al. Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer 1975-2009, Featuring the Burden and Trends in Human Papillomavirus (HPV)-Associated Cancers and HPV Vaccination Coverage Levels. Journal if National Cancer Institute. 2013;1-27

2. Quality of Life: Programs and Navigation. Expert Pannel Summit Workgroup Overview. National Caner Survivorship Resource Center. Accessed at http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/content/@editorial/documents/document/acspc-031410.pdf. Accessed July 13, 2013

3. American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2013. Atlanta: American Cancer Society; 2013.

4. Hayes S, Janda M, Cornish B, Battistutta D, Newman B. Lymphedema After Breast Cancer: Incidence, Risk Factors, and Effects on Upper Body Function. Journal of Clinical Oncology. 2008;26:3536-3542.

5. Little L, Proche DJ. Manual Lymph Drainage. Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care. 1998;9:78-82.

6. National Cancer Institute at the National Institute of Health. Available at http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/lymphedema/healthprofessional. Accessed July 13, 2013

7. LymphNetworkSpain. Available at http://www.lymphnetworkspain.com/lymphatic-system. Accessed July 13, 2013

8. Petrek JA: Commentary: prospective trial of complete decongestive therapy for upper extremity lymphedema after breast cancer therapy. Cancer J 10 (1): 17-9, 2004.

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/lymphedema/healthprofessional

Resources

9. 2009 Concensus Document of the International Society of Lymphology: The Disgnosis and Treatment of Peripheral Lymphedema. Lymphology. 2009;42:51-60

10. National Lymphedema Network. Position Paper: Exercise Available at http://lymphnet.org/resources/position-paper-exercise. Accessed March 15, 2014

11. Jensen AO, Jacobsen JB, Norgaard M, Yong M, Fryzek JP, Sorensen HT. Incidence of bone metastases and skeletal-related events in breast cancer patients: a population-based cohort study in Denmark. BCM Cancer. 2011;11:29

12. Leerar PJ, Boissonnault W, Domholdt E, Roddey T. Documentation of Red Flags by Physical Therapists for Patients with Low Back Pain. Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy(Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy). 2007;15)1):42-49

13. Ross MD, Boissonnault WG. Red Flags: to screen or not to screen? The Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy. Nov 2010;40(11):682-684

14. Karavatas SG, Reicherter EA, White N, Strong A. Physical Therapy Management of Patients with Multiple Myeloma: Musculoskeletal Considerations. Rehabilitation Oncology. 2006;24(3):11-16

15. Henschke N, Maher CG, Ostelo RW, de Vet HC, Macaskill P, Irwig L. Red flags to screen for malignancy in patients with low-back pain. Chocrane Database Sys Rev.2013;2:CD008686

16. Schmitz KH, Speck RM, Rye SA, DiSipio T, Hayes SC. Prevalence of bresat cancer treatment sequelae over 6 years of follow up. Cancer. 2012;118(S8):2217-2225

Resources

17. Schmitz KH, Prosnitz RG, Schwartz AL, Carver JR. Prospective surveillance and management

of cardiac toxicity and health in breast cancer survivors. Cancer. 2012;118(S8):2270-2276

18. Hayes SC, Johansson K, Stout NL, et al. Upper-body morbidity after breast cancer.

Cancer. 2012;118(S8):2237-2249

19. Swisher AKPTPCCS, Davison C, Aranda R, Eye D, Erickson M. Frequency and Severity

of Self-Reported Upper Extremity Impairments, Activity Limitations, and Participation

Restrictions Following Breast Cancer Treatment. Rehabilitation Oncology. 2010;28(1):3-9

20. Torres Lacomba M, Mayoral de Moral O, Coperias Zazo JL, Gerwin RD, Goni AZ.

Incidence of myofascial pain syndrome in breast cancer surgery: a prospective study.

The Clinical Journal of Pain. May 2010;26(4):320-325

21. Persistent changes due to treatment. Schmitz KH, Courneya KS, Matthews C, et al.

American College of Sports Medicine roundtable on exercise guidelines for cancer

survivors. Medicine and Science In sports and exercise. Jul 2010;42(7):1409-1426

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